The Functional Path is a path that had been traveled many times before but had fallen out of use in favor of smoother paved roads that promised faster and easier results. Seeking to follow and better define the functional path is a continuing journey, fortunately it is a journey that many have traveled before. Functional Path training is getting back to the basics of movement. It is learning to tune into the body and it’s inherent wisdom to produce rhythmic flowing movement.

11/20/07

Kettlebells

Over the past several months I have had a lot of questions about Kettlebell training. The dialog was usually something like this – Have you heard about Kettlebell training? After I answered yes it was usually followed by a comment like this - I have heard it is fantastic, a really great work out, it really gets you tired! There are certainly no secret Russian methods here, just another method that has been around for a hundred years. It was a method that was used extensively, fell out of favor and has been rediscovered, much like medicine ball training. I was exposed to the use of kettlebells when I first started coaching. They were used extensively by the European athletes (not just the Russians) in the javelin and the hammer throw. The problem was that we did not have kettlebells readily available to use in this country. It has only been the past several years that they are readily available at prices that are affordable. Kettlebells are a viable method of training. Just like any method Kettlebell training is only effective when placed into the context of a comprehensive training program. In dong some research on good sources of information on Kettlebell training I came across this book A Complete Guide to Kettlebell Exercises and Training by Lisa Shafer (NoFearFitness.com). It is clearly illustrated and easy to follow. No Russian double speak just some good information. I personally incorporate Kettlebells as parts of progressions in various strength and power modules. It really depends on the sport and the level of the athlete. I view it as an advanced training method that you need to progress toward. It is certainly is not something I would use with beginners.

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About Me

Vern is currently is the Director of Gambetta Sports Training Systems. He has been the a conditioning coach for several teams in Major League Soccer as well as the conditioning consultant to the US Men’s World Cup Soccer team. Vern is the former Director of Conditioning for the Chicago White Sox and Director of Athletic Development for the New York Mets. Vern is recognized internationally as an expert in training and conditioning for sport having worked with world class athletes and teams in a wide variety of sports. He is a popular speaker and writer on conditioning topics having lectured and conducted clinics in Canada, Japan, Australia and Europe. Vern's coaching experience spans 36 years at all levels of competition.
Vern has authored six books and over one hundred articles related to coaching and sport performance in a variety of sports. He received his BA from Fresno State University and his teaching credential with a coaching minor from University of California Santa Barbara. Vern obtained his MA in Education with an emphasis in physical education from Stanford University.